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Alex Eala made a strong start to her 2026 Cincinnati Open campaign, advancing to the third round as she was leading Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-1, 3-0 before her opponent retired early Sunday morning (Philippine time).
It was payback from the Filipina, as the Romanian took their first matchup back in the 2024 US Open qualifying round 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
The opening set began with both players trading breaks in the first two games before Eala finally held serve in the third to take an early 2-1 lead.